The first week of March marks the annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Missouri, with officials urging residents to take appropriate steps now and be ready if and when severe weather strikes.

The City of Kirksville participated in a statewide tornado drill Tuesday and all outdoor sirens functioned appropriately, but those devices only provide one level of defense. A weather radio, or severe weather alert app can add another.

Take action today

With a foot of snow still on the ground, severe weather is far from the mind, but not far from the sky. As the season changes and the calendar approaches spring, the likelihood of severe weather increases. And unlike winter snow storms, tornados do not announce their presence days in advance.

"Start planning now while the weather is not bad and be prepared if bad weather is coming in," said Kirksville Fire Chief Randy Behrens.

Know your terminology

Preparedness begins with knowing what to look for.

When a tornado watch is issued, it is time to be alert as weather conditions mean a tornado is possible.

When a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been spotted, either visually or on radar.

And when the local sirens actually sound?

"That means we are pretty much sure the tornado is coming directly at us," Behrens said.

Sources to prepare yourself

Tips are available at Missouri's stormaware.mo.gov, and through FEMA's www.Ready.gov/severe-weather.

The sites provide detailed information on how to respond to severe weather, such as what to do if you are in a building without a basement, and what you should have in advance, including supplies and equipment in an emergency kit, and a family communications plan.

Protect your family

"Have a plan ready," Behrens said, "and when I say 'have a plan ready' I mean to know what you're going to do. If we have a tornado, you need to have plans of where you and your family are going to go to be safe. When the warning comes and the sirens blare, it's too late to go anywhere."

Remember...

- An interior room without windows on the lowest floor is the safest shelter location.

- Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse.

Page 2 of 2 - - Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building.

- Overpasses are not safe. An overpass' under-the-girder-type construction can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect.

- If you are driving, you should stop and take shelter in a nearby building.

- If you are driving in a rural area, seek shelter in a roadside ditch. Protect yourself from flying debris by covering your head with your arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in case the ditch fills with water.

- Never drive into standing water. It can take less than six inches of fast moving water to make a slow moving car float. Once floating, a vehicle can overturn and sink.